Matthew Hatchette was born in Jefferson, Ohio, where he went to high school. A Langston University graduate, Hatchette initially attended Mercyhurst College in Erie, Pennsylvania. He attended Jefferson Area High School, where he played quarterback and was also a member of the basketball team. His retired #5 jersey is on display in the school cafeteria, along with an article about when he was drafted. He is believed to be the only Jefferson Falcon in any sport to have his number retired. Hatchette is a former NFL wide receiver. He played in the NFL from 1997 to 2003. He played for such teams as the Minnesota Vikings, New York Jets, Oakland Raiders, and Jacksonville Jaguars, respectively. He also played in the NFL Europe league as a member of the Amsterdam Admirals.